Key Takeaways:
- Nationwide Travel Disruptions: More than 2,000 flights were delayed and 50 canceled Wednesday as staffing shortages crippled FAA control centers from Washington to Los Angeles.
- Shutdown Fallout: The government shutdown has left many federal workers, including air traffic controllers, uncertain about pay—fueling stress, absenteeism, and escalating travel chaos.
- Safety Over Speed: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the DOT will prioritize safety over schedule, but warned that overworked controllers and low morale are putting America’s air travel system under strain.
Air travel across the United States hit new turbulence Wednesday night as staffing shortages within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) caused widespread flight delays and cancellations from coast to coast.
The FAA reported that major air traffic control centers in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Los Angeles and several other cities were operating below capacity due to the ongoing government shutdown. More than 2,000 flights were delayed and at least 50 canceled nationwide, with Reagan National in D.C. facing the most severe disruptions. Ground stops were also expected at major hubs including LaGuardia, Newark, Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News that staffing shortages, which typically account for about 5% of delays, are now responsible for more than half of all disruptions. “My message to the air traffic controllers who work for DOT is show up for work,” Duffy said. “They’re keeping America operational, and they’re not guaranteed a paycheck. They’re frustrated by it.”
Duffy emphasized that “safety comes first,” saying the Department of Transportation will slow or stop traffic if necessary.
The latest wave of delays comes as the shutdown enters its second week, paralyzing government operations and leaving federal workers uncertain about pay. While many controllers are working extra hours to keep flights running safely, frustration is mounting.
For travelers and business leaders alike, the message is clear: Washington gridlock has real-world consequences. America’s aviation system—once the envy of the world—deserves leadership focused on efficiency, accountability, and keeping the skies open, not bureaucratic chaos.